BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused the ruling Awami League of plotting acts of violence using embezzled public funds. Urging students to stand up against corruption on campuses, Rizvi also called for the trial of judges he accused of aiding Sheikh Hasina’s alleged authoritarianism. “If Hitler’s collaborators could be tried, so should Hasina’s judicial allies,” he said, demanding the announcement of an immediate election roadmap and accountability for corruption allegations against government officials.

In light of escalating tensions following the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has offered to mediate between Pakistan and India. In a message, Araghchi said, “India and Pakistan are our fraternal neighbors with whom we share centuries-old cultural ties. We are committed to fostering understanding between the two nations during these difficult times.”

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has clarified that the decision to withdraw Tk 250 crore from risky banks and reinvest Tk 238 crore into ‘Green’ and ‘Yellow’ zone banks was a strategic move, not an individual decision by the chairman. “Certain media reports misrepresenting these transactions aim to malign Chairman Faruq Ahmed’s reputation,” the BCB stated, emphasizing that financial decisions prioritized security and were made collectively.

The funeral of Pope Francis has begun at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, drawing an estimated 250,000 mourners. Notable attendees include U.S. President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The ceremony is witnessing one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in recent history.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Rome on Friday to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, marking his first unexpected foreign trip of his second term. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, Trump will join nearly 50 world leaders and 10 monarchs at the Vatican. Despite past tensions with the Pope over immigration policies, Trump stated he might meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the event, although Zelensky’s attendance remains uncertain.

Dr. AYM Ekramul Haque, Convenor of the Purbachal Society, emphasized the need for a dedicated city corporation to address Purbachal’s ongoing infrastructure issues. Despite the long delay, essential facilities like security stations, expanded power grids, safe drinking water, sewerage systems, road maintenance, educational institutions, markets, hospitals, and recreational parks are still lacking. He urged the government to prioritize the area’s comprehensive development.

Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the NCP, asserted that the party has no links with remnants of fallen autocratic regimes. “If any of our members are involved in extortion, we will take strict organizational action,” he said. He also pledged full transparency, announcing that the names of donors and financial details will be audited and published through proper channels.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan is prepared to cooperate with an independent international investigation into the Pahalgam attack. Rejecting India’s allegations as baseless, Sharif said, “As a responsible nation, we are ready for impartial scrutiny.” He also warned that any violation of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty would be met with full force. Sharif reiterated that Pakistan has been one of the biggest victims of terrorism, losing around 90,000 citizens and suffering billions in economic losses.

Professor Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the Consensus Commission, stated that Jamaat-e-Islami’s contributions to the ongoing fight against fascism will always be remembered. “Despite facing judicial and extrajudicial persecution, Jamaat members have shown remarkable resilience,” he said, expressing hope that the party will play a vital role in rebuilding a truly democratic Bangladesh.

Indian authorities have detained more than 550 illegal Bangladeshi migrants during overnight raids across Gujarat, with over 100 individuals apprehended in Surat alone. The detainees reportedly entered India without valid documentation and were living using forged papers. After investigations are complete, they will be deported back to Bangladesh.

Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Deputy Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, has stated that Jamaat fears no external pressure when it comes to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. He affirmed that Jamaat is committed to building a sustainable and credible democracy. “We seek moral accountability for the sake of the nation, not personal or party interests,” he said. He emphasized that Jamaat supports necessary reforms for the greater good of the country and is committed to democratic practices both within the party and the state.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has warned that the world should be concerned about the possibility of a full-scale conflict between two nuclear-armed nations. “Any clash between two nuclear powers is always a cause for concern. If the situation worsens, it could have tragic consequences,” he said. Tensions have already rattled the Indian stock market. Asif emphasized that serious cross-border firing incidents could escalate tensions into a “full-fledged war” with India. He assured that the Pakistan Army is fully prepared for any eventuality but expressed hope that diplomatic dialogue could still resolve the crisis.

DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz announced that separate roads will be built for the entry and exit of inter-district buses at Gabtoli Terminal. Buses to and from North Bengal will specifically use the new routes through the BRTC depot, aiming to ease congestion at the terminal.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus visited Bangladesh House in Rome on Friday, signing the official visitors’ book. He is currently in Italy to attend Pope Francis’ funeral, which will be held Saturday at Vatican City. Although the Pope’s tomb was intended to be modest, it will be located beneath the Basilica.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed 84 Palestinians and wounded 168 others in the past 24 hours. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that many victims remain trapped under rubble and are not yet included in the official death toll. Over the past 18 months, total casualties in Gaza have reached 51,400 dead and 116,416 injured — with women and children comprising 56% of the victims.